Politics In Religion

Religion and politics of the United States are woven as one where religious beliefs pioneered by forefather of the country had continued to influence the political scenario while many religious organizations for the sake of survival and motive to promote ideologies had identified themselves as political organizations to enter the governmental body as an able representative. With some mottos like ‘serving in common mission to the glory of god’, religious institutions has commingled with politics and in contemporary times it is such a difficult task when we try to segregate these two as separate bodies.

Since 1960, religious institutions such as National council of churches, Union of American Hebrew Congregation, National Association of Evangelicals, Christian Coalition, Family Research Council, Baptist Joint Committee for Public Affairs have prevailed working for the sake of people, thriving towards forming a better society for the civilians to live in while getting supported by a political party or individual in power in politics for expansive reach into the public sector.

Religious freedom in America is comparatively huge when other world countries are put on the same scale while the constitution’s first amendment itself says, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof’. The concept of separation of church and state is the basic principles where the country and its citizens operate with freewill of their own where the church, its ideologies, beliefs or norms has no right over an individual’s decision making. Contrary to its notion, America patronizes an array of house of worships and other religious institutions. A series of faiths and practices coexist in the same domain without political conflicts which is a mentor of legitimate practice for all others.

The great leader and founder of the United States sowed the seeds for separation of government and religion which had led to freedom of speech, expression and action even if could be said as anti-religious. The Freedom from Religious Foundation (FFRF) states that the United States constitution is a Secular document and constantly urges the public to avoid politics in religion. Religious allowances and beliefs shouldn’t come in the way of a civilian working as a public servant for the nation is the call of the organization.     

Politics in religion prevails since the time of centuries behind but from the time of forefathers and their governmental established, church and state separation policy which is widely accepted by all is being implemented constantly for the social welfare.

Questions:

• Is Church and state separation policy secular?
• How do you find religious institutions’ role in politics?